How to Get Rid of Dark Circles

Dark circles are often the bane of any woman’s morning makeup routine—covering them with concealer until they all but disappear, temporarily. Did you know reducing the appearance of dark circles is one of the most difficult challenges in cosmetic dermatology? Though it’s impossible to completely and permanently erase dark circles, there are very attainable solutions for making them less noticeable that don’t even require makeup.

The Causes of Dark Circles

There are three primary causes of dark circles:

Hyperpigmentation—excess melanin production due to either sun damage or inflammation

Thinning of skin

Excessive vascularity which makes the blood vessels more visible

Dark circles may become more prominent as a result of certain lifestyle habits like diet (high levels of salt and/or alcohol), lack of sleep, stress, sun exposure, allergies, skincare ingredients that damage the skin’s surface, or excessive build-up of dead skin cells that can absorb light, and/or heredity.

How to Reduce and Minimize Dark Circles

Though individual products may claim to deliver miraculous results, this is just not realistic. The best approach is to use a combination of products that are specifically designed to work together to deliver the best possible results.

A nutrient and antioxidant-rich serum to brighten skin tone and address thin skin—Retinol Vitamin C Concentrate combines pure Retinol and highly concentrated Vitamin C into an oil-based serum to boost the results of other treatment products by as much as 20% within just 2 weeks.

Add a Rx or OTC Hydroquinone product if the dark circles are the result of hyperpigmentation. With 2% Hydroquinone, Dark Spot Corrector improves the appearance of dark spots resulting from hyperpigmentation.

This combination of products will help to:

Reduce excessive pigmentation

Brighten skin tone with a high-potency retinoid

Nourish the skin’s own ability to promote plump skin

Support the skin’s own anti-inflammatory process

Strengthen and maintain a healthy moisture barrier

When incorporating highly active ingredients into your routine, start with every other day usage. Then, once your skin has adjusted to the products (after about 2 weeks), increase to once daily usage. For the best results, use twice daily. Gradually move your products closer to the bottom lash line and onto the hood of the eye. However, if you experience any irritation, back off and resume your topical use.

Then, Evaluate Your Lifestyle

Effective skincare will help you achieve and maintain your best results. But, there are also lifestyle adjustments that will help to improve the appearance of your dark circles.